On July 24, 2026, the “SEA ENERGY” – the lead vessel of a series of second-generation 175,000m3 LNG carriers – was officially named and delivered. The vessel was built by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd., for China Merchants Energy Shipping Co., Ltd., and was surveyed by China Classification Society (CCS). Leaders from China Merchants Group, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, PetroChina Company Limited, PetroChina International Co., Ltd., Dalian Maritime University, PetroChina International Northeast Co., Ltd., and Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. attended the naming ceremony. Mr. Zhang Hui, General Manager of the CCS Dalian Branch, was invited to the event.

Source: CCS

Vessel Design and Advanced Features

The “SEA ENERGY” was independently designed and developed by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. It features the internationally advanced Mark III Flex cargo containment system, and is equipped with dual-fuel main engines and generators, a conventional oil-fired boiler, a cargo handling system, and a re-liquefaction unit. Drawing on the wealth of experience gained from the first-generation 175,000m3 LNG carriers, the vessel has undergone significant technical upgrades and comprehensive hull form optimization – further enhancing its economic efficiency, operational flexibility, and compatibility with a wide range of LNG terminals, enabling it to safely berth at the vast majority of such facilities worldwide.

CCS Survey and Construction Support

Throughout the construction process, CCS worked closely with the shipowner, the shipyard, and other stakeholders, thoroughly drawing on the survey experience accumulated from the first-generation 175,000m3 LNG carriers to provide full-process, comprehensive survey services and technical support.

The vessel was the first to adopt a mega block construction method, which brought forward the installation of the cargo containment system and effectively shortened the construction cycle. CCS maintained a rigorous, responsible, and highly professional approach throughout, closely tracked production progress, actively collaborated with the shipyard to optimize construction processes, and improved both efficiency and quality. In particular, to meet the survey demands arising from the earlier-than-usual cargo containment system installation, CCS promptly adjusted its survey model – demonstrating its responsive service capability and technical expertise in LNG carrier construction surveys, and ensuring the vessel’s high-quality delivery.

A Collaborative Achievement and the Road Ahead

The successful naming and delivery of the “SEA ENERGY” represents another significant collaborative achievement among CCS, Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd., China Merchants Energy Shipping Co., Ltd., and other partners in the field of large LNG carriers. Looking ahead, CCS will continue to strengthen its survey service capabilities and provide ongoing support for the serialized, large-scale, and high-quality construction of large LNG carriers – ensuring the smooth delivery of subsequent vessels in the series and contributing to the continued elevation of technical standards and core competitiveness in large LNG carrier construction.